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New shops in Birmingham

Frank Slevin, chairman of House of Fraser, said: "The retail industry is undergoing fundamental change and House of Fraser urgently needs to adapt to this fast-changing landscape in order to give it a future and allow it to thrive.

"Our legacy store estate has created an unsustainable cost base, which without restructuring, presents an existential threat to the business.

"So whilst closing stores is a very difficult decision, especially given the length of relationship House of Fraser has with all its locations, there should be no doubt that it is absolutely necessary if we are to continue to trade and be competitive."

House of Fraser, which has 6,000 employees and 11,500 concession staff, requires the approval of 75% of its creditors for its plan to go ahead.

The retailer's board is trying to push through its restructuring plan while securing new investment from Hamleys owner C.banner.